Blue Flames

Chapter 54

The flight from Paris to Dublin took a little more than one hour. 

Being stuffed in a private jet with a werewolf was interesting. Noah's eyes had turned into neon signs the moment he got on the plane, and a continuous low growl- so low that had I not had sensitive hearing I wouldn't have picked it up- emanated from him.

I took my seat, Arthur beside me. I sank into the beige leather seat with a sigh. Marianno and Charles sat across a table from us. Noah folded his big frame in a corner all by himself. 

"What's wrong with him?" I asked. Noah closed his eyes and leaned his head back, his body frozen.

"Some shapeshifters don't like closed spaces," Arthur replied. "Their animal side doesn't tolerate being caged very well."

"I see." 

I glanced at Noah again. Would he be alright? As if feeling my gaze on him, he raised his hand in a small wave without opening his eyes. He'd be alright.

Arthur pulled on my ponytail. 

"Stop it." I glared at him. Looking back at Noah, I called, "Hey, Noah. won't the window seat be better?"

He didn't move. His voice, when he replied, was a barely recognizable rumble. "Seeing that I'm thousands of feet above the ground will make it worse. Thank you for your concern."

Arthur tugged on my hair again. 

"I should just shave it all off," I grumbled, pulling my ponytail to the other side.

"I believe the Sire is jealous," Marianno said, his eyes crinkling in amusement. 

Arthur was not amused. He gave Marianno a long look. The vampire bowed his head, but the smile didn't leave his eyes. Even Charles looked entertained.

When I focused on the bond, Arthur's emotions were a kind of muted irritation with a hint of murderous intent. My eyes widened. "Do not kill Noah!"

Noah choked. Mariano laughed and Charles' cheeks lined.

Arthur sighed. "I will try."

Noah coughed. "I appreciate it."

The plane took off soon afterward. A flight host came with an assortment of food and drinks. I ate because I needed the fuel, but I didn't taste any of it. It wasn't difficult to know why. I'd been down ever since I said goodbye to Amanda in the airport.

I knew we would see each other again, if everything went well. But I already missed her. It was kind of scary how big a part she became in my life in only a few months.

Arthur put his hand on my knee and squeezed. His focus was outwardly on the tablet in his hand, but his presence and concern were strong through the bond. Charles and Marianno had changed seats and were engaged in a video game of virtual. Their eager eyes focused on the screen of their phones. I guess even immortals were clients of the gaming industry.

"What's that?" I asked, looking over the screen that held Arthur's attention. It displayed several graphs and numbers.

"Work."

"Work?" I looked more closely at the screen, interested. "I didn't know you actually worked. Being a brooding vampire lord doesn't pay enough?"

His lips twitched. "No, it does not. Especially now that I have you in my life. Your exorbitant taste in clothing and jewelry will surely drive me to ruins."

I snorted. "Uh-huh. How unfortunate for you."

"Which reminds me." He put down the tablet and fished something from the pocket of his jeans.